Saturday, July 18, 1998 Published at 08:55 GMT 09:55 UKDrug scandal team thrown off TourRichard Virenque with suspended director Bruno RousselThe world's leading cycling team Festina has been banned from the sport's most prestigious event after its director admitted a "concerted" programme of giving riders performance enhancing drugs.

"The objective was to improve performances under strict medical control in order to avoid the unauthorised personal supply to cyclists causing grave attacks on their health which could have been the case in the past," he said.

Lille magistrates had said the riders could continue in the tour and be questioned afterwards, but the Tour organisers moved swiftly to separate the scandal from the race.

'Difficult decision'

Race director Jean-Marie Leblanc said he wanted to "end the unhealthy climate" that has pervaded the competition.

Leblanc: Festina banned for "morality of the Tour"

"It seems to me that the sports ethic, the morality of the Tour are the most important things", he said.

The decision was "difficult but essential" for the sport, he added.

However Roussel's replacement as Festina team director said the nine riders have been made scapegoats.

Michel Gros said he could not deny that drugs may have been supplied, but added the "entire pack" of Tour riders were involved in drugs.

Rider denies knowledge

Festina had planned to begin its assault as the Tour entered its critical second week and mountain stages.